Everett mechanic to give away car to someone in need

EVERETT — Someone who needs a new set of wheels could soon be in luck.M&N Absolute Auto Repair wants to give away a 2004 Honda Civic to a deserving person who also needs a car."I thought it would be a great way to pay it forward and maybe help someone else in the community," said M&N owner Mike Doherty. "Maybe make a difference in someone's life."The Honda was donated to the shop by someone who didn't want to pay to have it repaired. Doherty decided to fix it up and give it away.Auto repair shops have been giving away cars to needy people under a program called Wheels to Prosper since 2011. Shops have donated more than 50 cars and trucks so far. The original giveaway was done by Jim Anderson of Anderson Automotive in Marion, Iowa, who called it Wheels of Change. Doherty had heard about the giveaway from people in the industry. He opened business in Everett in 2007. He had a tough time early on while the country was still going through a recession. He's now been able to employ three other people and figured that this would be a way to give back to the community.He replaced the engine in the Honda as well as the clutch and brakes."Pretty much anything and everything the car could need in the next few years, we'll be taking care of it," Doherty said.He's asking people to submit a nomination letter for a deserving person. He said it could be someone who is younger who needs a first car or someone who has had their car break down.Doherty said he would set up a panel of people to read the nomination letters with the names redacted to award the vehicle.Nomination letters will be accepted until July 12. The car will be awarded at a barbecue at his shop at 10 a.m. July 26. He said people who are nominated need to attend the barbecue. To nominate someone, send a letter to M&N Absolute Auto Repair at 10011 Third Ave. SE Suite D Everett, WA 98208 or email Doherty at mnabsoluteauto@gmail.com.

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